Fort Mohave, AZ — January 20, 2025, Juana Orantez was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 11:34 A.M. on Highway 95.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person dead and seriously injured another during the late morning hours of January 20th. According to official reports, the incident occurred in the area of Hwy. 95 and Arcadia Ln. when a GMC pickup struck the rear of a Dodge caravan, a median, and a road sign, before then leaving the roadway and rolling sown an embankment.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Juana Orantez, who was a passenger in on one of the vehicles was deceased, and the driver of the pickup suffered critical injuries and was transported to the hospital. This is currently an ongoing investigation, and as it progresses more details such as how the accident occurred and the identities of everyone involved, may be released.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about accidents such as this, my first thoughts are with the families of those affected. A crash of this nature leaves behind many questions, and it’s essential to investigate thoroughly to understand all the factors that may have contributed. To uncover the truth, three key questions must be addressed: Did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Has anyone explored the possibility of a vehicle defect? And has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected and preserved?

The first question is whether the authorities have conducted a comprehensive investigation. In a case like this, where a vehicle reportedly struck another, collided with a median and road sign, and rolled down an embankment, a detailed analysis of the crash scene is essential. Factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, roadway conditions, and the sequence of collisions must be carefully reconstructed. Evidence like damage patterns, skid marks, and witness accounts can provide valuable insights into what led to the series of events.

The second question examines whether a vehicle defect could have contributed to the crash. Issues with brakes, tires, or steering components, for example, might explain why the driver of the GMC pickup lost control. While such failures are not always apparent, they are worth investigating to ensure that no mechanical or design flaw played a role. Identifying potential defects can require a detailed review of the vehicle's systems by qualified experts.

The third question focuses on the collection and preservation of electronic data. Modern vehicles, including pickups and vans, are equipped with electronic control modules (ECMs) that record critical information such as speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to a crash. Additionally, nearby surveillance cameras, GPS data, or dashcam footage could provide further context. Promptly securing this evidence is vital to ensure that important details are not lost or overwritten.

Answering these three questions is essential to understanding what caused this crash and ensuring that no contributing factor is overlooked. For the families and individuals impacted, finding answers is a critical step toward understanding and resolution. By thoroughly investigating all aspects of the incident and preserving all available evidence, we can work toward providing clarity and accountability.